West Ham United will be led out at the FA Cup final today
by two mascots - nine-year-old Sam Jackson and 12-year-old Adam
Shuman.
Sam is the son of our former groundsman at the Chadwell Heath training headquarters, Ian Jackson, who tragically passed away suddenly at the age of just 38 back in January.
Sam has always been a familiar and popular face down at the training ground. He often accompanied his dad to work during the school holidays, and helps out our kit-men Eddie Gillam and Pete Williams when he gets the chance.
Sam's younger sister, Chloe, and younger brother, Jack, will also be here today with their mum Michelle and other members of the family, and we hope they all enjoy the day. Ian would certainly have been proud to see his eldest son lead out the Hammers at the Millennium Stadium.
Adam Shuman was the winner of our exclusive SMS prize draw, in which more than 7,000 supporters entered to win the matchday mascot package for the final, with all proceeds going to Ian's family.
Adam is a Junior Hammer, attends home matches with his dad Paul, and they sit in the Dr Martens Upper tier. He has been a West Ham fan for as long as he can remember and lists his favourite player as Yossi Benayoun, but says that they are all brilliant!
He plays rugby for Finchley rugby club juniors and recently ran in the London mini-marathon (2.6miles), raising almost £1000 for Children with Leaukemia in the process. He also plays the guitar, likes rock music and has an older sister Jessica (16) who has no interest at all in football!
West Ham United would like to wish both mascots all the very best and hope that they have a wonderful day
Sam is the son of our former groundsman at the Chadwell Heath training headquarters, Ian Jackson, who tragically passed away suddenly at the age of just 38 back in January.
Sam has always been a familiar and popular face down at the training ground. He often accompanied his dad to work during the school holidays, and helps out our kit-men Eddie Gillam and Pete Williams when he gets the chance.
Sam's younger sister, Chloe, and younger brother, Jack, will also be here today with their mum Michelle and other members of the family, and we hope they all enjoy the day. Ian would certainly have been proud to see his eldest son lead out the Hammers at the Millennium Stadium.
Adam Shuman was the winner of our exclusive SMS prize draw, in which more than 7,000 supporters entered to win the matchday mascot package for the final, with all proceeds going to Ian's family.
Adam is a Junior Hammer, attends home matches with his dad Paul, and they sit in the Dr Martens Upper tier. He has been a West Ham fan for as long as he can remember and lists his favourite player as Yossi Benayoun, but says that they are all brilliant!
He plays rugby for Finchley rugby club juniors and recently ran in the London mini-marathon (2.6miles), raising almost £1000 for Children with Leaukemia in the process. He also plays the guitar, likes rock music and has an older sister Jessica (16) who has no interest at all in football!
West Ham United would like to wish both mascots all the very best and hope that they have a wonderful day